Integrating Chemistry and the Military World
The career journey of a science graduate is often associated with academia or industry. However, M. Khoiril Anwar, an alumnus of the Department of Chemistry, Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR), class of 1994, successfully broke this stereotype by building an outstanding career in the military world. With a strong scientific background in chemistry, he managed to integrate scientific knowledge with strategic responsibilities in the Indonesian Navy.
Coming from SMAN 2 Bojonegoro, East Java, Khoiril began his academic journey in the Chemistry study program because of his deep interest in natural sciences since high school. This interest grew stronger when he saw how his school supported learning activities with very complete chemistry laboratory facilities at that time.
The Beginning of a Military Career
After completing his studies, Khoiril took a bold step rarely chosen by his peers by pursuing military education through SEMAPAPK at the Military Academy. After graduating from military education, he continued his studies at Kobangdikal to deepen his military specialization.
His early career in the Indonesian Navy was still closely related to his scientific background. He was assigned to the Main Laboratory of Chemistry and Materials at Dislitbangal. There, he served as Head of Lubricant Oil Laboratory Affairs, Head of Material Maintenance Affairs, and later became Kasub Si and Head of the Chemistry Laboratory.
His journey was not without major challenges, especially in managing sophisticated laboratory instruments while facing limitations in human resources who understood their operational principles. Equipped with knowledge from Chemistry UNAIR, he took the initiative to develop methods, procedures, and standard work instructions according to ISO 17025 standards for every test conducted.
Strategic Assignments and Technological Innovations
The dynamics of his dedication continued to evolve over time. In 2010, Khoiril received a strategic assignment outside the military structure at SKK Migas under the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources for two years. Afterward, he was entrusted with the position of Head of Production Division at Fasharkan Bitung before eventually returning to the Research and Development Service in Jakarta to serve as Head of Technical Supply Materials Section.
During this role, the UNAIR alumnus also produced several innovations. Among them were the development of closed-circuit diving equipment for special forces (Pasukan Katak and Denjaka), semi-closed-circuit diving equipment for Kopeba divers, the production of soda lime as a CO2 absorber for the diving equipment, and underwater diving propulsion vehicles (DPV) capable of reaching a maximum speed of 5 knots. He also returned to serve as Head of the Chemistry Laboratory Section.
These various positions proved that the chemistry knowledge he studied played a dominant role in supporting duties within the Indonesian Navy laboratories, particularly in testing analysis for quality control of defense equipment materials and research to optimize the performance of major weapon systems.
Becoming a Leader in Information and Data Processing
At its peak, from 2025 until now, Khoiril has been entrusted as Head of the Information and Data Processing Service (Kadisinfolahta) of Kodaeral X Jayapura. In this position, he is fully responsible for managing digital communication and processing data within the Kodaeral X environment.
Although he is now in a top leadership position related to data and information, he continues to emphasize that scientific disciplines have shaped his systematic way of thinking. Moreover, computational chemistry materials became an important foundation in his current career journey.
According to him, amid the high dynamics of the Indonesian Navy’s work environment, chemistry serves as the foundation. However, the development of competencies in human resource management, logistics, finance, and communication science has become the key to successfully managing complex organizations.
Inspiration for the Younger Generation
Khoiril emphasized that chemistry can indeed change the world, but it is not the only key to success in the professional world. He encourages younger generations to enrich themselves with soft skills and knowledge outside their primary field in order to possess unique value that others may not have.
With the principle of “being useful to others,” he hopes younger generations will continue to innovate. He also reflected that if he had the opportunity to return to his college years, he would be more active in scientific projects and create discussion spaces to explore trends in future applications of chemistry.
Original source: https://news.espos.id/kisah-khoiril-anwar-alumnus-unair-integrasikan-ilmu-kimia-dan-militer-2212861/am
